Several members of Congress were arrested Tuesday by U.S. Capitol Police for blocking traffic during an immigration rally on the National Mall.
As protestors marched toward the U.S. Capitol, several House Democrats sat in the middle of the street, blocking traffic, the Star Tribune reported.
Police led Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota Democrat, away in cuffs shortly after 4 p.m.
Reps. John Lewis, Raul Grijalva, Joseph Crowley, Al Gree, Luis Gutierrez, Jan Schawkowsky Charlie Rangel were all then arrested, police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider confirmed to The Blaze.
Javier Morillo, president of Service Employees International Union Local 26, was also arrested, the Tribune said.
Mr. Ellison’s office said the move was an act of “civil disobedience” designed to urge Congress to pass immigration reform.
SEE ALSO: Park Service OKs immigration reform rally on ‘closed’ National Mall
The National Park Service allowed the rally to go on as planned Tuesday on the National Mall, even though it’s closed due to the federal shutdown.
Susana Flores, a spokesperson for the “Camino Americano: March for Immigration Reform,” confirmed that the Park Service will allow the event to take place under the group’s rights granted by the First Amendment, the Washington Examiner reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.